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NBC Sports Boston's Tom Curran reports Bill Belichick will return as Patriots head coach for 2018 even after OC Josh McDaniels was lured out of his Colts contract.

McDaniels' stunning reversal immediately raised questions about 65-year-old Belichick's future in New England, but at least for one more year, he appears to be staying. Beyond 2018, it's quite possible McDaniels has been assured he will succeed Belichick in the immediate future. The move is eerily reminiscent of what Belichick did to the Jets in 2000. Feb 6 - 7:52 PM

Speaking Monday, Patriots coach Bill Belichick reiterated he will be back with the Patriots in 2018.

"I've addressed that question," Belichick said Monday. "I'm not going to be asked the same question every day. That's ridiculous." Belichick was referring to comments he made in January, when he said he would "absolutely" be back. ESPN's Seth Wickersham detailed friction inside the Patriots in an explosive January article, but it's apparently not so bad that Belichick can't hash out his differences with Tom Brady and owner Robert Kraft. Two months shy of his 66th birthday, Belichick is the second oldest coach in the NFL after Pete Carroll. Feb 5 - 2:07 PM

Assistant QBs coach Jerry Schuplinski was also brought up as a possibility, though O'Shea has been with the organization longer and already serves an important role as the team's red-zone coordinator. "Chad’s got an awesome understanding of the offense, and I would just say football as a whole," said receiver Chris Hogan. "Yeah, I could definitely, absolutely see Chad being a coordinator one day." OL coach Dante Scarnecchia, who turns 70 next month, is not considered a realistic option to replace McDaniels. Jan 28 - 9:01 AM

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports Patriots owner Robert Kraft will meet with Bill Belichick and Tom Brady after the season to "hash out their issues."

Belichick is fully expected to be back, but this confirms Kraft plans to have a "clear the air" meeting in the offseason. The Patriots have an unresolved conflict with Brady's trainer and are dealing with some backlash from Belichick for the Jimmy Garoppolo trade. Despite rumors it could be Belichick's last year, the Patriots' power structure is going to remain in place in 2018. Jan 13 - 3:07 PM

Depth Charts

This opens his 21-day window as one of the Patriots' two designated for return players. Burkhead is eligible to first play Week 13 against the Vikings. As long as Sony Michel and James White stay healthy, Burkhead shouldn't be a fantasy factor, but he could obviously have huge value if one of them goes down the next three weeks. Burkhead is worth an add where he can be squeezed in.

Patriots placed RB Jeremy Hill on injured reserve with a torn right ACL, ending his season.

He will not undergo ACL surgery until early November, however. Hill touched the ball five times in Sunday's win before going down. He took a helmet to the knee. Hill had also made an impact on special teams before his injury, blocking a punt. His absence will only clarify matters in the Patriots' backfield until Sony Michel returns, which could be as soon as Week 2. Hill turns 26 next month. He could have enough time to get healthy before training camp next summer. Hill is playing on a one-year deal.

Gronkowski has missed New England's last two games with back and ankle injuries but had the bye to heal up. The injury-prone 29-year-old has disappointed this year, going six straight games without either a touchdown or 100 yards receiving. Gronk could be at risk of an in-game setback, though obviously the future Hall of Famer remains a must-start in all formats.

Allen suffered a knee injury against the Titans. He will not need surgery, but it sounds like he is going to miss a game or two even with the Patriots headed to their bye this week. With Rob Gronkowski's health also in question, New England is thin at tight end.

Schwenke would technically be eligible for return during the playoffs, but the Pats are not going to use one of those spots on a backup center. Schwenke had made just three appearances this season, making zero starts.

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